4 Ways On How To Play The ‘F Chord’

Every beginning guitar player will stumble upon this one chord that will test their patient. The chord that I’m referring to is none other than the dreaded ‘F Chord’. Like most beginners, it took me quite a while to learn the proper way to play this chord when I was starting out. Just trying to figure out the best way to place my index finger across the 1st and 2nd strings without muting one of them was a long experimental process. Anyway, I have since manage to play this chord with ease so let me offer a few tips that I’m sure will work for you as well.

1. Press the strings near the fret wire – As if pressing two strings with one finger isn’t hard enough, you're going to make it even harder if you press the strings too far back on the fret. So make sure that you place your index finger as close as you can to the fret wire (be careful not to press over it). By doing this you’re going to find it easier to reach the 3rd and the 4th strings with the other two fingers.

2. Use the side of the index finger – when pressing the 1^st and 2^nd strings with the index finger, try to angle it to the side. This part of the finger is harder and can eliminate the muted sound that can happen when you are not pressing hard enough on the strings.

3. Press the 1st and 2nd strings with the tip of the index finger – A newer method that I've been using for quite some time. This may or may not work for you as it kind of depends on the thickness of your index finger. My index finger is not that thick but I can still do it so give it a try, you never know.

4. Keep your thumb at the middle of the neck and pinch – Try to keep your thumb at the middle of the neck especially if you use the side of the index finger method. If you do this, often time the index finger will naturally roll onto its edge.

The F chord will challenge your patient but be persistent and stick with it. Try applying these tips and experiment, it's going to worth all the effort.